Cody McDonald’s foot break is worse than first feared.

An initial diagnosis of the metatarsal injury led to hopes that the Gills striker could return in between six to eight weeks.

But a scan on Tuesday revealed the injury to be more severe than expected and he will now be sidelined until the latter stages of his season.

It’s a major blow to a player whose 2015/16 campaign has yet to take off due to an injury picked up in pre-season. His 19 appearances this season yielded just three goals.

He was last season’s leading scorer with 18.

McDonald was just getting back into his stride but a challenge on Saturday at Millwall, which led to home keeper Jordan Archer getting sent off, led to the break.

He will have an operation next Thursday and will have a wire put into the bone.

Boss Justin Edinburgh said: “It is a real blow for us and more so the boy, it has been a frustrating season for him and this campaign he has been dogged by injury.

“Hopefully he will come back better for it.”

Fellow striker Luke Norris, back from his own injury, took part in a reserve game on Wednesday, playing 70 minutes to boost his own match fitness.

“His opportunity might come round now sooner than expected,” Edinburgh said.